Benchmarking, Best Practices, Blast Hole Drilling, Coaching, Communication Skills, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Drill and Blast, Drilling, Drilling - Mines/Minerals, Drilling Equipment, Hazard Analysis, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Manufacturing, Mine Management, Mine Operations, Mine Production, Needs Assessment, Open Cut Mining, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Performance Tuning/Optimization, Process Improvement, Productivity Management, Quality Metrics, Safety/Work Safety, Startup, Surface Drilling, Surface Mining, Training Program, Training/Teaching, Willing to Travel
Performance Driller
Location: Alachua, FL or another Sandvik Mining office location
Drive real performance improvements in surface mining—globally.
As a Performance Driller, you'll bring deep operational expertise directly to mine sites around the world. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role for an experienced surface mine driller who takes pride in safety, efficiency, and developing others. You'll train operators, optimize drilling performance, and serve as a trusted technical partner—both in the field and at our Alachua manufacturing facility.
What You'll Do
Deliver performance where it matters most
- Train drill operators and mine supervisors on Sandvik rotary drills in open-pit surface mines worldwide and at our Alachua facility.
- Demonstrate drills during trials and support customers through start-ups and performance optimization initiatives.
- Analyze drilling performance metrics (quality, time, cost) and benchmark results against industry best practices.
Coach, assess, and elevate capability
- Conduct training needs assessments and operator audits to identify skill gaps.
- Design and deliver customized on-site and classroom training programs.
- Provide constructive, actionable coaching and feedback to improve operator competence and confidence.
Optimize safety, efficiency, and cost
- Adapt drilling approaches to varying ground conditions to maximize penetration rates and minimize tool wear and cost per foot.
- Optimize drill settings and rock tools for peak performance.
- Make data-driven recommendations to improve safety and productivity across drilling and blasting operations.
Lead by example in safety
- Champion safe work practices and Sandvik's EHS vision of Zero Harm in every environment.
- Identify and report hazards, unsafe behaviors, and improvement opportunities.
- Follow all IMS, regulatory, and site-specific safety requirements.
What You Bring
Experience & technical expertise
- 10+ years of production blasthole drilling experience with rotary and DTH applications (top hammer a plus).
- 5+ years of delivering drill operator training in surface mining environments.
- Strong knowledge of drill patterns, drilling program design, and performance optimization.
- Working knowledge of rotary tri-cone bits and pneumatic DTH hammers (rebuild experience a plus).
- Experience with intelligent or autonomous drill rigs is an advantage.
Skills & working style
- Clear, confident communicator with the ability to coach, influence, and build trust with operators and customers.
- Self-directed and adaptable, comfortable working independently in dynamic field environments.
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally, in support of global mining operations.
Education
- High school diploma or GED required.
Work authorization
- Must have the legal right to work in the United States on an indefinite basis without employer sponsorship. (Please note: temporary work authorizations, including OPT, do not meet this requirement.)
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This role spans manufacturing, office, and active mine environments and requires regular standing, walking, climbing, and lifting (50+ lbs), wearing PPE, and working around loud equipment. International travel is a core part of the job.
About Sandvik Sandvik is a global leader in mining and rock solutions, known for combining advanced technology with deep operational expertise. We work closely with customers worldwide to improve safety, productivity, and long-term performance.
Sandvik is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.